Beautiful French Tall Ship Belem Visiting Cork and Galway

The stunning French tall ship Belem, formerly owned by the Guinness family, is to make a port call to Cork’s North Custom House Quay next week. The sail training ship will continue its voyage stopping at Galway docks the following week.

Beautiful French Tall Ship Belem

The French three-masted barque first launched in 1896. In 1921 she was acquired by Arthur Ernest Guinness, the second son of brewing magnate Edward Guinness. He renamed the ship Fantome II and took his three daughters Aileen, Maureen and Oonagh on a 40,000 mile cruise around the world.

The ship was resold several times until 1979 when she came back to her home port as the Belem and was fully restored to her original condition. She is now a sail training ship.

If you want to have the chance to look on board the Alliance Française is organising a special visit to the historic ship on 28th of July. Tours will last 30 mins and will be limited to 60 people.

The tour will take place at 5.30pm and will cost €6, to help pay towards restoration expenses. If you are interested in getting on board email info@alliancefrancaisecork.com including your name, surname, phone number and Belem in the subject.

The following week the ship will be sailing into Galway port and will be open for tours on Thursday 3rd August. Three tours will take place at 6, 6.30 and 7pm for a maximum of 20 people in each group and will cost €6. To book your place get in contact with French Galway via their Facebook page.